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IBM unveils AI-powered fingernail sensor that can monitor Parkinson’s progression

US information technology giant IBM has unveiled a prototype of the first artificial intelligence (AI) powered fingernail sensor designed to track disease progression. The AI system – a wireless device that attaches to the fingernail – monitors the movement of the patient’s nail and calculates their grip strength. Data gathered is then used to determine how the wearer’s grip has changed over time, and also tracks symptoms such as bradykinesia, tremor and dyskinesia. Katsuyuki Sakuma, a researcher at IBM’s Thomas J. Watson Research Centre, New York US, said: “Our fingernails deform — bend and move — in stereotypic ways when we use them for gripping, grasping, and even flexing and extending our fingers. This deformation is usually on the order of single digit microns and not visible to the naked eye. “By pushing computation to the end of our fingers, we’ve found a new use for our nails by detecting and characterising their subtle movements.”

Inhalable drug given green light

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved INBRIJA – an inhalable drug created by US biotech company Acorda Therapeutics – for intermittent treatment. INBRIJA is designed to treat Parkinson’s symptoms that occur between oral doses of medication, which are known as ‘off’ episodes. The drug has been approved by the FDA and – after a clinical study involving 900 people with Parkinson’s – is expected to be available in 2019. Todd Sherer, CEO of The Michael J Fox Foundation, who funded early trials of the powder, said: “Despite being on treatment, patients may experience OFF periods as Parkinson’s progresses, which can be disruptive. “We knew we had to help address this unmet need, and this approval is a significant step forward for the community as it provides a new option to manage these gaps in symptom control.”

Researchers create Parkinson’s-resistant stem cells

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh, UK, have created stem cells that they say are resistant to developing Parkinson’s. The study – published in science journal ‘European Journal of Neuroscience’ – used gene editing techniques to remove the alpha-synuclein protein from the stem cells. To test the resistance of the new stem cells, researchers treated both edited and unedited stem cells with a chemical agent that induced Lewy bodies – abnormal proteins that lead to neurodegeneration. The results showed that the gene-edited cells did not develop signs of Parkinson’s, whereas the unedited cells did. Dr Tilo Kunath – who led the study – said: “We know that Parkinson’s disease spreads from neuron-neuron, invading healthy cells. This could essentially put a shelf life on the potential of cell replacement therapy. Our exciting discovery has the potential to considerably improve these emerging treatments.”

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IBM unveils AI-powered fingernail sensor that can monitor Parkinson’s progression

Inhalable drug given green light

Researchers create Parkinson’s-resistant stem cells

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IBM unveils AI-powered fingernail sensor that can monitor Parkinson’s progression

Inhalable drug given green light

Researchers create Parkinson’s-resistant stem cells

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